ITANAGAR, Oct 30: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to visit Tawang district in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday to inaugurate the Museum of Valour dedicated to Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing and unveil a statue of Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. During his visit, Singh will also celebrate Diwali with soldiers stationed along the India-China border, as confirmed by officials on Wednesday.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh will join the event, adding to the significance of the occasion. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed his enthusiasm on X, welcoming both Singh and Biren Singh to the state. He stated, “The inauguration of Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing Museum of Valour and the unveiling of ‘Desh Ka Vallabh,’ the statue of Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Tawang, in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, will be cherished by us for ages to come.”
Khandu highlighted the historical importance of Major Khathing’s brave expedition in February 1951 to establish Indian administration in Tawang, stating, “His heroic deeds have no parallel in human history.” He also paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s legacy as India’s first Home Minister, emphasizing the critical role he played in integrating various princely states into the nation.
Both monuments serve as enduring reminders of the invaluable contributions of these great leaders to India’s integrity and sovereignty, Khandu added. Tawang, set against the majestic backdrop of the eastern Himalayas, has long symbolized India’s commitment to securing its borders. Singh’s visit coincides with a recent breakthrough in patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, underscoring the importance of national security in the region.
